Diagnosis and management of GERD

Tom Vaughan

Oct 22, 2024 — 1 min read

While almost all adults experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (e.g., heartburn, regurgitation) from time to time, roughly 20% (30 M in the U.S.) do so with a frequency ranging from once per week to multiple times per day(1). Complications can include esophageal strictures, ulcers and cancer, among others. This article comprehensively reviews current evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of GERD; it is aimed for the practicing physician but provides valuable information for those who experience GERD as well.

Vaughan TL, Fitzgerald RC. Precision prevention of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015 Apr;12(4):243-8.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Ann Intern Med. 2024 Aug;177(8):ITC113-ITC128. doi: 10.7326/AITC202408200. Epub 2024 Aug 13. PMID: 39133924.

Dunbar KB.

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus causes symptoms and/or complications. The prevalence of GERD in Western societies has been estimated at 30%, making it one of the most commonly encountered disorders in primary care. The spectrum of GERD includes typical symptoms of esophageal reflux (heartburn and/or regurgitation); esophageal injury (erosive esophagitis; stricture; Barrett esophagus; and, rarely, adenocarcinoma); and extraesophageal symptoms, such as hoarseness and chronic cough. Proper diagnosis and treatment of GERD includes symptom control, exclusion of other disorders, avoiding overuse of medications and invasive testing, and minimizing complications.

Ethics of screening based on race/ethnicity

This article explores some of the ethical implications of using race and ethnicity for cancer screening, using esophageal adenocarcinoma and gastric cancer as examples. It highlights the disparities in cancer incidence and mortality among different racial and ethnic groups and examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of screening based (in

Tension between risk-based and patient-centered esophageal cancer screening

This interesting and thoughtful paper by Dr. Elspeth Davies at the University of Cambridge investigates the use of the capsule sponge test for screening Barrett's esophagus (BE) in a mobile clinic in England, highlighting the challenges in balancing patient-centered and risk-centered medical management. Through ethnographic fieldwork, the study

Eradication therapy for Barrett's

An evidence-based compendium of recommended treatments

AI in the assessment of Barrett's neoplasia

Accurate and timely identification of Barrett’s-related (BE) dysplasia is critical to providing the timely surveillance and treatment needed to prevent progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Unfortunately, significant observer variability in the assessment of BE-related dysplasia by pathologists continues to be a challenge. This report discusses the development and application of